K.N.O.W. Home Health - PARASITIC MENINGITIS

Patient Education: Parasitic Meningitis

1. What It Is

Parasitic meningitis is a rare but serious infection of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord caused by certain parasites.
Unlike bacterial or viral meningitis, these parasites are usually picked up from the environment or certain foods, and it cannot spread from one person to another.
Some forms can be deadly if not treated quickly.

2. Causes & Risk Factors

Common causes:

Naegleria fowleri (“brain-eating amoeba”) from warm freshwater, hot springs, or poorly treated swimming pools
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) from eating undercooked snails, slugs, freshwater shrimp, or contaminated vegetables
Gnathostoma spinigerum from eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish, eels, or poultry
Toxoplasma gondii from undercooked meat or contact with cat feces (usually affects people with weak immune systems)

Risk factors:

Swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, or poorly chlorinated pools
Eating raw or undercooked seafood, snails, or certain meats
Traveling to or living in tropical or subtropical areas where parasites are common
Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant, steroid use)

3. Signs & Symptoms

Early warning signs:

Headache that gets worse over time
Fever
Stiff neck
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light

Other symptoms:

Confusion or trouble thinking
Seizures
Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
Loss of balance or coordination
Weakness or numbness

4. Complications if Untreated or if Care Instructions Are Not Followed

Permanent brain damage
Seizures
Coma
Death

5. Treatment & Self-Care Measures

Treatment depends on the parasite:

Antiparasitic medicines (e.g., miltefosine, albendazole) to kill the parasite
Antifungal or antibiotic combinations if recommended for certain types
Steroids to reduce brain swelling
Anti-seizure medicines if seizures occur

Self-care:

Take all medicines exactly as prescribed — do not miss doses
Rest and stay well-hydrated
Avoid risky foods and environments until cleared by your doctor
Keep all follow-up appointments

6. Common Types of Medications, Purpose, & Side Effects

Albendazole: Kills certain parasites; may cause stomach upset, dizziness, liver problems
Miltefosine: Kills amoeba; may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver/kidney problems
Corticosteroids: Reduce swelling; may cause mood changes, high blood sugar, weight gain
Antiseizure medicines: Prevent seizures; may cause tiredness, dizziness

7. Dietary Needs

Eat well-cooked meats, fish, and seafood
Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating
Drink safe, clean water
Avoid alcohol to protect your liver while on medicine
Eat balanced meals with enough protein for healing

8. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid swimming or diving in warm freshwater unless you know it’s properly treated
Avoid getting water up your nose in lakes, rivers, or pools
Wear nose clips if you must be in untreated freshwater
Avoid eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish, snails, or slugs
Wash hands after handling raw meat or soil

9. Safety Considerations

If you have balance or coordination problems, use support to avoid falls
If confused, have help managing your medications
Let your healthcare team know all the medicines you take to prevent interactions

10. Prevention & Maintenance Tips

Cook all seafood, meat, and poultry thoroughly
Wash produce before eating
Avoid swallowing or forcing water up your nose while swimming
Use only safe, treated water for drinking and cooking
Manage your immune health — follow your doctor’s plan for any chronic conditions

11. When to Call for Help

Call Home Health Agency or Doctor if you have:

Headache or neck stiffness that is getting worse
Fever that does not go away
Nausea/vomiting that prevents you from taking medicine
Rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or side effects from medicine
Trouble thinking clearly

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room if you have:

Seizure
Sudden weakness or numbness
Trouble speaking or seeing
Loss of consciousness
Sudden severe headache (“worst headache of your life”)

Patient Homework/Assessment

Please correct all False Statements

True or False: Parasitic meningitis can be spread from one person to another.
True or False: Swimming in untreated warm freshwater can increase your risk.
True or False: Eating raw or undercooked snails or freshwater fish can cause certain types of parasitic meningitis.
True or False: Headache, stiff neck, and fever can be warning signs of parasitic meningitis.
True or False: Albendazole is used to kill certain parasites.
True or False: You should stop your medicine once you start to feel better.
True or False: Drinking alcohol is safe while taking antiparasitic medicines.
True or False: Untreated parasitic meningitis can cause seizures and brain damage.
True or False: Wearing a nose clip can help reduce risk when swimming in risky waters.
True or False: Corticosteroids are sometimes used to reduce brain swelling.
True or False: Cooking seafood and meat thoroughly can help prevent parasitic meningitis.
True or False: Seizures are a sign you should call 911 right away.
True or False: It is important to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
True or False: Avoiding swallowing water in lakes or rivers can lower risk.
True or False: All antiparasitic medicines have no side effects.
True or False: Trouble thinking clearly should be reported to your doctor.
True or False: Parasitic meningitis is common in tropical and subtropical areas.
True or False: Immunocompromised people are at higher risk.
True or False: Raw cat feces can carry parasites that cause meningitis in some people.
True or False: If you have loss of consciousness, it is safe to wait until your next doctor visit.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

Do you know which parasite is causing your meningitis?
What antiparasitic medicine are you taking, and how often?
Have you had recent lab tests to check your liver and kidney function?
Have you noticed any side effects from your medicine?
Are you avoiding raw or undercooked seafood, meat, and produce?
Are you avoiding swimming in untreated warm freshwater?
Do you know your early warning signs that require a call to your doctor?
How will you make sure you take every medicine dose on time?
Have you had any new seizures, vision changes, or weakness?
What steps are you taking to keep your immune system strong?

Answer Key with Explanations

False – It is not spread person-to-person.
True – Warm untreated freshwater can carry parasites.
True – Some parasites come from these foods.
True – These are early warning signs.
True – Albendazole kills certain parasites.
False – Stopping early can cause relapse.
False – Alcohol can harm the liver and interact with medicines.
True – Untreated infection can cause serious brain damage.
True – Nose clips help block parasite entry through the nose.
True – Steroids can reduce swelling.
True – Cooking kills parasites.
True – Seizures are emergencies.
True – Washing produce removes parasite eggs/larvae.
True – Avoiding swallowing water lowers exposure risk.
False – All medicines have possible side effects.
True – Confusion is a warning sign.
True – Some parasites are more common in tropical climates.
True – Weak immunity increases risk.
True – Toxoplasma gondii from cat feces can cause meningitis in some people.
False – Loss of consciousness is an emergency.